President's Report >> Designed For Greatness

2008 President's Report

Year in Review

SEPTEMBER ‘07
The first appreciation luncheon in seven years was held for career and technical faculty. Recognizing the tremendous potential in career-tech education, Dr. Smith praised the college’s career/tech faculty and leaders.

The 1961-62 basketball team held a dinner and a Hall of Fame induction reception and ceremony. Coach A. B. Howard was in attendance for both.

On September 8, the first Bobcat 5K Run/Walk was held at the Bobcat Stadium, with 200 runners and walkers competing. Overall Male title went to visitor Tony Rigdon, and Overall Female champion was Margaret Ann Moore, a JCJC math instructor.

Jones breaks ground on the new walking trail.

Retired federal judge Charles Pickering praised and challenged 50 students chosen to participate in the newly created honors institute named after the Jones alumnus at a banquet.

OCTOBER ‘07
The new Health Clinic, which opened for the fall semester, moved from a 480 square foot area to a location of 2,890 square feet. The new clinic has four exam rooms, a soundproof counseling room, offices, waiting area, and reception/nurses station.

The first employee incentive luncheon was held to honor employees who go the distance for customer satisfaction. Employees who completed a “You Make A Difference” card were recognized by key administrators at the luncheon.

The longest-serving Jones College Board of Trustees member, D.O. “Bud” Thoms, of Richton, died after battling Alzheimer’s and heart disease. Thoms served on the board for 50 years, 28 of those years as chairman, before retiring in 1997.

Representative Gene Taylor did the coin toss at the Jones Homecoming game.

The Jones Ambassadors inaugural class held a reception at the President’s home to celebrate their official status as a college organization. As ambassadors, these 24 students were chosen to be the hosts and hostesses for Jones at special events for the President and the JCJC Foundation. The group will represent all the virtues of good citizens and lead others through example. Mrs. Margaret Ann Pickering, JCJC Foundation President, shared hospitality and etiquette tips with the group.

JCJC staff members Connie Hoover and Estella Chapman are the first Jones employees to complete the number of employee incentive “You Make A Difference” cards to receive its top honor of a day off with pay.

DECEMBER ‘07
USM President Dr. Martha Saunders speaks to Phi Theta Kappa students about “The Four P’s of Power”: pressure, purchase, patronage or persuasion.

Dr. Donna Scoggin, division chair for AD Nursing, was named Citizen of the Year for Ellisville. Scoggin was instrumental in writing and finalizing the design standards ordinances for the city.

Nursing graduate, Vanessa Waters of Sumrall, was chosen as the Mississippi Student Nurse of the year. JCJC Student Nurse Organization (SNO) Advisor, Barbara Campbell, was selected as SNO Advisor of the year.

Diane Williams, JCJC Counselor, received the Mississippi Counseling Association’s College Counselor of the Year Award.

A 12- week, school-wide weight loss competition at Jones, which motivated faculty towards a healthier existence, ended in December. The “Biggest Loser” competition, named after the TV show, started with 40 participants who were committed to losing as much weight as possible. The men’s team won the overall award. Malcolm Rozwee, men’s winner, lost 28 pounds. Missy Jones, women’s winner, lost 23 pounds.

JANUARY ‘08
A ribbon cutting for the Jasper County Learning Center was held. The new JCJC Learning Center offers adult education, computer training, general education counseling services, online college courses, and some academic courses. It is also available for professional development and training opportunities.

FEBRUARY ‘08
JCJC band director Sammy Barr was inducted into the Southeastern Mississippi Band Directors Hall of Fame during the SEMBDA honor band clinic.

The campus wide Let’s Go Walking campaign motivated hundreds of faculty and staff to get fit. A competition was held and overall winners were the science, marketing and English teams.

Cabaret was held in the Fine Arts Auditorium on the 20th and 23rd.

MARCH ‘08
The Jones Technical and Academic Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) chapters brought back a combined 10 awards from the annual state conference.

The Bobcat Fitness Center opened March 24.

APRIL ‘08
The ninth annual Jones Alumni Association Golf Tournament was held with 44 teams and 132 players.

Jones music department hosted a guitar festival with lessons from professor Giovanni DeChiaro, a performance by the large ensemble, and a guitar concert.

Jones hosted the annual Area 17 Special Olympics at Bobcat Stadium/Sim Cooley Field. Over 320 athletes, including around 200 from Ellisville State School, were on hand to participate in several different sports.

MAY ‘08
The Foundation announced the results of the Employee Campaign: 100% participation from full-time employees; 100% participation from full-time faculty; and $282,825 in pledges and gifts.

Former Governor Ronnie Musgrove was the keynote speaker during graduation ceremonies held May 9. Over 520 students listened to Musgrove’s advice for the future and his appreciation for the state’s community college system.

JUNE ‘08
Hundreds of school-aged children visited the Jones campus for Kids College, and various sports camps.
The All-State Lions Band also held their annual camp at Jones this year. They left for New York and Washington, DC following their Jones visit.

JULY ‘08
The JCJC Board of Trustees unanimously approved Christian Ostrander as the Bobcats 13th overall head baseball coach and third fulltime head baseball coach, succeeding Bobby Glaze.